Honeysuckle sawfly

Zaraea lonicerae, commonly known as the honeysuckle sawfly, belongs to the family Cimbicidae within the order Hymenoptera. This insect is a specialized pest that exclusively targets various species of the Lonicera genus, affecting both edible and ornamental honeysuckle varieties.

The primary host plants for this pest are honeysuckle shrubs. The larvae are the stage responsible for the damage, as they feed aggressively on the foliage. Given their feeding habits, even a small population can rapidly escalate into an infestation that threatens the overall vitality of the plant.

The biological cycle follows a typical pattern for sawflies: eggs are deposited into the leaf tissue by the female in spring. Upon hatching, the larvae go through several instars, consuming large amounts of leaf tissue. Once mature, they descend to the soil to pupate inside cocoons, remaining in the ground throughout the winter months.

The damage is characterized by skeletonization or complete defoliation of the shrub. Heavy infestations weaken the plant, reducing its vigor and leading to a significant drop in fruit production for edible varieties. Severe defoliation over consecutive seasons can eventually lead to the decline or death of the bush.

Control strategies involve both cultural and chemical interventions. Cultural practices like tilling the soil around the base of the shrubs in late autumn or early spring can expose and destroy overwintering pupae. If populations reach an economic threshold, applying appropriate insecticides during the larval stage is recommended to protect the foliage and ensure the health of the plant.